October 19

Genealogies are generally boring reading, but Jesus’ genealogy has so many interesting features. I noticed in Luke’s genealogy that Jesus was a descendent of Levi. There also are two prophets, Amos and Nahum in the lineage. So priest and prophet and then of course from the line of David, King!

Amazing to me is the mention of women. I personally get so encouraged when I see great men and women struggle with flaws or just blow it. I don’t delight in their blowing it, but it gives me hope to be great (er) because I know that I blow it. It is the factor of humanity that I often overlook in great men and women of God that I magnify in myself. It is as if God says to me, “see, they are human and flawed too, I can use you like I use them.” Here in this story of Jesus in Matt. are four woman; Tamar (a prostitute), Rahab (a prostitute), Ruth (a Gentile – Moabite – not in covenant), and Bathsheba (who David committed adultery with). There is some humanity! Yet God in His infinite grace used these women, and NAMED them as being His vessels, to bring about great things! God loves curve balls and I think that these four women represent God’s love for me! He took a no name guy from an unbelieving family and is raising up and godly heritage for generations to come! Thanks for using me Papa!